The good news is a modified Colt CM901 will be available for individual purchase as the SP901 in the coming weeks. The bad news is that a price has not yet been set.
Colt officially unveiled its CM901 at the 2010 Association of the U.S. Army Convention and Exposition, held Oct. 25-27 in Washington, D.C. The weapon – Colt's entry for the Army's forthcoming carbine competition –boasts a universal 7.62mm lower receiver and multiple barrel lengths — a 10.3-inch for close-quarter battle, a 13-inch that is accurate at 500 meters, a 16-inch heavy barrel that is accurate to 700 meters and even 18- and 20-inch.
The ambidextrous, multicaliber weapon fires 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds with a cyclic rate of 700 to 950 rounds per minute. A free-floating barrel helps maintain tight accuracy.
The SP901 essentially has the same features, minus the automatic fire capability. This model comes as a .308 Win (7.62mm) with a 16.1-inch barrel and weighs in at 9.4 pounds. It will accept Colt's Mil-Spec 5.56mm upper receivers.
While the CM901 can operate using a piston, gas-impingement system or hybrid of the two, the SP901 will come with a direct gas system.
GearScout will let you know as soon as the price is set.
